Biomel

The Research

Coconut milk:

Coconut milk is the first ingredient listed and is therefore likely to be the ingredient that exists in the largest quantity, even if it has not been stated. With regards to any health benefits, coconut water is known to be a good source of electrolytes. However, it is likely that coconut milk was chosen for this gut health shot due to its widely accepted flavour and the fact it is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk.

Chicory root fibre:

This is a common ingredient added to foods and drinks to boost their dietary fibre content. Two double-blind randomised controlled trials in 40-42 healthy adults showed that inulin and oligofructose obtained from chicory at a dose of approximately 5.3g oligofructose or 12.9g inulin reduced blood glucose and insulin levels, in which the inulin had a significant effect (4).

However, the doses of the soluble fibres, inulin and oligofructose, obtained from chicory fibre provide a larger amount of dietary fibre than is available in a single bottle of this gut shot. Therefore, the effectiveness of lowering postprandial blood sugar may not be as effective. Having said that, the sugar content of the test meals in the study are higher than that of a single Biomel gut shot. So, the ratio of sugars to dietary fibre may be more in line and could help control post-prandial blood glucose levels.

Gellan gum:

Gellan gum is typically added to foods and drinks as a food additive to enhance the thickness and creaminess of the foodstuff. Gellan gum also helps to stabilise vitamins and minerals such as calcium, particularly in plant-based foods.

There are some studies to suggest gellan gum provides health benefits such as improving symptoms of constipation, as well as aiding in blood sugar control (1, 2, 3). However, the doses used in these studies were higher than is estimated to be in this gut shot.

Guar gum:

Like gellan gum, guar gum is added to foods and drinks to act as a stabiliser and thickening agent.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials investigating the effects of guar gum on blood lipid levels found that guar gum successfully reduced total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels. The doses used in the included articles ranged from 5mg/day to 29mg/day (4). These doses are realistically achievable in this 125ml Biomel shot. However, no ingredient quantities have been stated, so we cannot say for sure that the guar gum from this shot would incur the same health benefits.

Vitamin B6:

A single 125ml serving of this Biomel shot delivers 0.88mg vitamin B6. This is 62.5% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 is important for metabolising proteins and carbohydrates from our diet. It also helps the body form haemoglobin. Therefore, a single shot of this would help you reach your daily recommended intake of this specific vitamin.

Vitamin D:

A single 125ml serving of this Biomel shot delivers 3.1ug vitamin D which is 62.5% of the recommended daily intake. If supplementing vitamin D, a minimum of 10.0 ug is recommendedug. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium as well as having a role in insulin function and the immune system.

Calcium:

A single 125ml serving of this Biomel shot delivers 500mg calcium. This is 62.5% of the recommended daily intake for calcium which helps contribute to the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Therefore, a single shot of this Biomel product would help you reach the daily recommended intake of this specific mineral.

Billions of live active cultures:

We are unable to provide any studies investigating the live cultures provided by this Biomel gut shot as they have not stipulated which ones are provided.

Other ingredients: 

Raw cane sugar, Cacao, Sea salt, Natural Fruit extract, Natural Vanilla flavouring used for flavouring.